Program Overview:

FrA2RE is committed to supporting undergraduate students in launching successful careers in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. It is an empowering, dynamic, and research-focused training program sponsored by the NIH. By participating in this program, you will gain valuable hands-on experience, mentorship, and support to pursue your research interests. The program aims to enhance the nation’s workforce to meet the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs in this area of life sciences, with a focus on encouraging the professional development of individuals from varied backgrounds.

Program Benefits:

• Opportunity to engage in a meaningful, funded research experience.
• Pairing with a prominent mentor in the fields of ADRD and aging.
• Support for travel, accommodations, and laboratory expenses.
• An extraordinary life opportunity to embark on a path in biomedical, behavioral, and/or clinical research, fostering personal growth and enrichment.

How to Participate:

1. Register for the Program: Begin by registering for the FrA2RE Program so we have your information on file and can guide you through the next steps.
2. Explore Faculty Mentors: Review the list of research faculty across the country who focus on Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and aging research. Think about which mentors’ work best matches your own interests, goals, and curiosity.
3. Connect with Potential Mentors: Reach out to faculty members who spark your interest. In your email, introduce yourself, share a little about your academic background and research goals, and ask about the possibility of joining their team as a FrA2RE participant. We’re here to support you if you’d like feedback on what to say.
4. Select a Mentor: Once you’ve had conversations and found a faculty mentor who is a good fit, you can move forward with finalizing that connection for your research experience.
5. Complete the Application: After confirming your mentor, submit the one-page FrA2RE sponsorship application form. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but all research sponsorships need to be completed by August 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as you’re ready to ensure the best match and to get started sooner.

Important Notes:

• The duration of the project will be determined in collaboration with your faculty mentor at a time convenient for both the student and the mentor. Projects can be completed at any time of the year.
• The program does not offer payment, but participants will gain an invaluable opportunity. Each student will receive up to $5,000 to cover travel, lodging and living expenses, and lab expenses.
• Projects must be in the fields of aging and Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.